Just purchased a pair of Atma Sphere M-60 Mk 3's upgraded to 3.3's


Hello all, I feel I’m a novice when it comes to audiophile setups. Been spending the past 10 plus years buying and selling trying to get to the top in regards to hearing what I want to hear, you know, what sounds just right!

I feel like I’m satisfied in regards to the turntable setup, got me a Thorens TD 124 Mk I that I’m in the middle of high end mods.

My current amp and pre are the McCormack DNA 1 Gold upgraded and ALD 1 with a Micro line drive phono pre. I’ve had many variable speakers flying in and out of here that I can’t remember them all. The set I’m planning on keeping will be the Klipsch La Scala’s that have the preferred type AA crossovers and vintage K55V mid horns and K77 tweeters, both metal horn variety. I’m also in the process of making new custom cabinets, something exotic.

I also have a Crown 724 R2R for my tapes and an Oppo 193 modded DVD player for CD’s.

As great as the McCormack is, I happen to come across an opportunity to pickup a set of Atma Sphere M-60’s. Having a quick demo at the persons house I was blown away by the smooth soul pouring out of her speakers. They were her late husband’s and she wanted something simple to use and was moving these onto someone who would appreciate them.

Long story short I grabbed them but now I need to ask, will the McCormack ALD 1 do the system justice or should I get a Tube Pre to match the M-60’s and if so what? My budget right now can’t afford a MA-3 like I hope for, something in the $1K range until I can move the other stuff out.

Your suggestions are much appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read all of this!
kjack48230
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You might want to contact Ralph at Atma-Sphere ( Mr. Atma Sphere ), who happens to be a very large contributor here on the 'Gon. A brilliant guy, and as nice a person on any forum that I have visited. It is my belief from his writings, he prefers an active gain stage before his amplifiers ( and most amplifiers, actually ), as I share threads about using active vs passive preamplification. Of course, when you get the M60s home, listen for a few weeks, as suggested above, and hear for yourself. Owning Lascalas myself, the M60s should drive them very nicely. Enjoy ! MrD.
I own both McCormack and Atma equipment and can say that Atma is probably going be the superior amp.-Unless, you send it to SMcAudio for upgrading, even then, I think Atma will still be a finer amp.
Regarding preamps, if you can swing it, get a MP-3 to go with your amp.

I have the MP-3 and am thinking of upgrading to the MP-1. Truly a fine piece of equipment. Once again, I think it will smoke the McCormack's.
Don't get me wrong. I love McCormack equipment. I run my office system with upgraded Mirco power amps (monoblocks) and a Microline Drive for my Vandy VLR's and am very happy with the results.
As MrDecibel recommended, give Ralph or his assistants a call.They answer the phone and are very knowledgeable. Heck, you can even call Steve or Pat at SMcAudio and get their take on this.
Bob
If you have speakers of high impedance and also of a stable impedance you really cant do much better than Atma OTLs or even OTLs in general. In fact, you can pretty much forget about all other tube amp types (SET, Push Pull) if your speakers are as I mention above. 
Like you, the first time I heard the M60's I was blown away. I now have the MA1's and the MP1. This is the end of my journey. Welcome to the family.

Having started my Atma-Sphere journey some 20 years ago, I think I have a pretty good handle on it. If Ralph's office is closed and you have questions, pm me. 

The OTL asylum at audioasylum.com is also a fabulous place to ask questions.